Reducing or avoiding muscle cramps

ABSTRACT

Muscle cramps can be reduced or avoided by monitoring the concentration of salt in perspiration to indicate the degree of salt depletion. Based on the degree of salt depletion, a sufficient amount of rehydration beverage is consumed to normalize the salt level.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/591,209, entitled “Reducing or Avoiding Muscle Cramps,” filed Nov. 1,2006, which is incorporated in its entirety, herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to avoiding muscle cramps andmore particularly to monitoring salt depletion to indicate likelihood ofcramping.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Muscle cramps, the involuntary and forceful contraction of muscles, arepainful and can last for a prolonged period of time. During physicalactivities in hot weather conditions, cramps appear to occur more often.Such types of cramps are commonly referred to as heat cramps. Due to thepain and lack of movement of the affected limb, the physical activity isinterrupted at least until the cramping stops. Even then, re-exertingthe muscle may cause the cramping to reoccur. As such, muscle crampingcan impact an athlete for a prolonged period of time. In the case of anathletic competition, its outcome can be adversely impacted due towithdrawal of or inability to perform by the affected athlete.

From the foregoing discussion, it is desirable to reduce or avoid musclecramps from occurring.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to reducing or avoiding muscle cramps.Muscle cramps can be reduced by monitoring salt or ionic loss toestimate adequate replacement of such salt during, for example, physicalactivity. To monitor ionic loss, a perspiration sample is collected andtested. The invention can also be used to test ionic content of othertypes of body fluids collected or using the results for other purposes.In addition, cramps can be easily and conveniently reduced or avoided,decreasing the likelihood of disruptions in physical activities, such asexercising or athletic competitions.

In one aspect, a method is disclosed which monitors the possibility ofmuscle cramps by collecting a test sample of body fluid and analyzingthe sample to provide a result which indicates a degree of ionicdepletion. Based on the degree of ionic depletion, dosage informationcan be provided to replenish the body with sufficient amounts of suchthings as salt to reduce the likelihood of cramping.

In another aspect, a kit is disclosed for reducing muscle cramps. Thekit comprises a sample collection unit having a pouch with first andsecond surfaces and a space therebetween. An opening is located at ornear a first end of the pouch. The opening facilitates collection of asample of body fluid when the collection unit is dermally mounted ontothe skin of a test subject. The kit also includes a tester whichincludes a test portion. The test portion, when exposed to the sampleafter it has been collected, reacts with the sample to produce a resultindicating the degree of ionic depletion from the test subject.

In yet another aspect, the invention is directed to a product forreducing muscle cramps. The product comprises a primary product whichcontains salt. A kit is provided with the primary product. The kitincludes a sample collection unit having a pouch with first and secondsurfaces and an opening located at or near a first end thereof. Theopening facilitates collection of a sample of body fluid when thecollection unit is dermally mounted onto the skin of a test subject. Atester is provided with the kit. The tester includes a test portionwhich, when exposed to the sample after it has been collected, reactswith the sample to produce a result indicating the degree of ionicdepletion from the test subject.

These and other objects, along with advantages and features of thepresent invention herein disclosed, will become apparent throughreference to the following description and the accompanying drawings.Furthermore, it is to be understood that the features of the variousembodiments described herein are not mutually exclusive and can exist invarious combinations and permutations.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings, like reference characters generally refer to the sameparts throughout the different views. Also, the drawings are notnecessarily to scale, emphasis instead generally being placed uponillustrating the principles of the invention. In the followingdescription, various embodiments of the present invention are describedwith reference to the following drawings, in which:

FIGS. 1 a-b show different views of a sample collection unit inaccordance with one embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 2 a-b show different views of a sample collection unit inaccordance with another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 shows a tester in accordance with one embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 4 shows a test chart in accordance with one embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 5 shows a product package including a test kit in accordance withone embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 6 shows a process for reducing or avoiding muscle cramps inaccordance with one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7 shows a table in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to reducing or avoiding muscle cramps.Muscle cramps can be reduced by monitoring ionic or salt loss during,for example, physical activity. To monitor salt loss, a perspirationsample is collected and tested. Testing salt content from other types ofbody fluids collected or using the results for other purposes, such asurine, is also contemplated within the scope of the invention.

FIGS. 1 a-b show plan and side views of a collection unit 101 used tocollect a sample for testing in accordance with one embodiment of theinvention. The collection unit collects and stores perspiration(“sample”) from the body for testing. As shown, the collection unitcomprises a pouch having a space 121 between first and second sides 111and 112. The pouch can have various shapes. The pouch can be, forexample, rectangular in shape with rounded corners, as shown. Providinga pouch with other geometric shapes is also useful. In one embodiment,an opening 115 is provided at or near a first end 117 of the pouch tofacilitate collection and storage of the sample in the space. The sizeof the pouch should be sufficient to hold at least a desired amount ofthe sample for testing. Typically, the amount of sample to be tested isabout 10-30 ml., but can optimally be ½ oz. or 15 ml. and can range fromas low as 5 ml. with no specific upper range. The dimensions of thepouch are, for example, about 6 cm. by about 9½ cm. Other dimensions mayalso be useful, and any size pouch can be used that can comfortably beattached to the body.

In one embodiment, the pouch is formed by attaching or bonding the edgesof first and second layers together leaving the interior portionun-bonded to create the space. Other techniques for forming the pouchcan also be useful. Such techniques, for example, can include injectionor blow molding; however, there are any number of other methods ofcreating the pouch. The pouch should be formed from a material which canadequately store or hold the collected sample. In one embodiment,material for forming the pouch comprises 3M's Tegaderm® trademarkedproduct or Pharm Check's Pharmcheck® trademarked product, both of whichare available on the market. Other materials are any type of materialthat can be flexible and waterproof.

The opening can be provided by not bonding the edges of the layers atthe first end 117 of the pouch. Alternatively, the opening is providednear the first end of the first layer. The opening should besufficiently large to enable collection of the sample. In oneembodiment, the opening extends to at least half the width of the pouch.Preferably, the opening extends to at least ¾ the width of the pouch.More preferably, the opening extends to about 90 percent of the width ofthe pouch.

To facilitate the flow of the sample into the pouch, an absorbent layer(not shown) can be provided at the opening. Various types of materialswhich enhance the collection of the sample can be used to form theabsorbent layer. Such materials can include, for example, fibrousmaterials and/or hydrophilic membranes. For example, the absorbent layercan be formed from hydrophilic polymer fibers such as polycarbonate,cellulose acetate, nylon or a combination thereof. Other types ofmaterials, such as natural fibers which include paper, cloth celluloseor synthetic fibers can also be used. However, it must be verified thatsuch material does not affect the salt content of the collected liquid.

The absorbent layer, in one embodiment, includes a first portion thatextends outside of the opening and a second portion disposed inside thespace. Other configurations of the absorbent layer are also useful. Anadhesive may be used to fix the absorbent layer to the pouch. Theadhesive may also be provided to fix the portion of the absorbent layerwhich extends out of the opening to the skin. Various types of adhesivescan be used, including any adhesive that is used in medical or personalcare products. Preferably, the adhesive used should not interact withthe sample, causing contamination and which may produce inaccurate testresults. Preferred adhesives include any type of adhesive used inmedical or cosmetic uses.

In one embodiment, an adhesive is disposed on the outer surface of thefirst layer of the pouch. The adhesive temporarily attaches thecollection unit to the skin of the user. The use of an adhesive allowsthe collection unit to be conveniently attached to various parts of thebody. For example, the collection unit can be attached to a part of thebody which facilitates collection of the sample as well as being easilyaccessed by the user. Typically, the collection unit is attached to thechest or waist. Attaching the collection unit to other parts of the bodyis also useful. Various types of adhesives can be used. Preferably, anadhesive which is inert with the sample is used. Additionally, theadhesive used should not cause skin irritation to the user. Other typesof adhesives, such as those used in topical patches or adhesive tapesare also useful. Alternatively, the collection unit can be mounted tothe skin using a strap or belt which fixes it to the body. For example,the collection unit can be fixed in this manner to the chest, waist orother parts of the body. When attached to the body, the collection unitis preferably oriented so that the opening is located at the top orsubstantially at the top. As the user perspires, gravity causes thesweat to flow downwards through the opening and into the pouch. Theabsorbent layer further attracts the sweat through the opening and intothe pouch.

FIGS. 2 a-b show plan and side views of a collection unit 202 inaccordance with another embodiment of the invention. As shown, thecollection unit comprises a patch having a layer 208 with first andsecond sides 111 and 112. The pouch can have various shapes. The pouch,for example, can have a pentagonal shape, with three sides beingarranged in 90.degree. angles to each other while the other two sidesbeing a V, forming a shape similar to that of a pocket. Providing apouch with other geometric shapes is also useful. The layer should beformed from a material which can adequately store or hold the collectedsample. For example, the layer can be formed from the products describedabove.

An adhesive 216 is disposed on a first surface of the patch. In oneembodiment, the adhesive is disposed at about the circumference of thepatch, leaving the internal portion 222 of the patch devoid of theadhesive. The adhesive temporarily attaches the collection unit onto theskin of the user. The use of an adhesive allows the collection unit tobe conveniently attached to various parts of the body. Preferably, thepatch is oriented such that the V is located toward the bottom of thepatch, closer to the ground. The patch can also be attached to the skinwith other orientations.

When attached, the patch forms a cavity or space between it and theskin, sealed by the adhesive. The cavity corresponds to the innerportion of the patch which does not contain adhesive. Sweat collected isthen stored in this cavity until ready for testing. Testing can beconducted by lifting a top edge 17 of the patch is lifted off the skinto form an opening though which a tester can be dipped to access thesample. In an alternative embodiment, the opening can be provided by notproviding adhesive at least at a portion of the top edge 117. Theportion should be sufficiently large to create an opening though which atester can pass.

A tester or test strip can be used by inserting it into the pouch afterthe sweat has been collected. The tester can be made to turn colorsdepending on the content of the sweat. The tester can then be removedfrom the pouch and compared, for example, to a color strip which informsthe user of the ionic or salt concentration in the sweat; each coloridentifies a different concentration level. In the alternative, a teststrip can be located in the pouch, and the color strip can be eitheroutside—so the comparison can be made by comparing the test strip colorthrough a see-through pouch—or both the test strip and the color stripcan be within the pouch with both visible through the see-through pouch.

FIG. 3 shows a tester 204 in accordance with one embodiment of theinvention. The tester, for example, comprises a test strip whichincludes a test portion 233. Typically, the tester is made from amaterial, such as filter paper, which is able to absorb the sample. Totest the sample, the tester is dipped into the pouch via the openingsuch that the test portion comes into contact with the sample. The testportion of the tester produces a result based on the content of a targetcomponent in the sample. The tester, in one embodiment, produces aresult based on the salt content of the perspiration sample, indicatingthe degree of salt depletion. Testing for other types of targetcomponents is also useful.

In one embodiment, the tester utilizes a colorimetric technique todetermine the content of a target component in the sample, such as theionic load of the sweat. Typically, a reagent which reacts with salt isdisposed in the test portion. In one embodiment, the reagent reacts withchloride. Other elements that can be measured include sodium, thespecific gravity, pH, proteins, urea, ketones, lactate, magnesium orpotassium. The reaction causes the test portion to develop a specificcolor depending on the concentration of the target component. The resultfrom the tester indicates the degree of ionic depletion.

In another embodiment, the test portion can include a plurality ofsegments with respective reagents or reagent compositions. A segmentwhich corresponds to the salt concentration in the sample reacts anddevelops accordingly, for example, a specified color. Other types ofmeasurement can include measuring an electrical current through thesweat as a measurement of the ionic load of the sweat.

FIG. 4 shows a test chart 305 in accordance with one embodiment of theinvention. The test chart includes information regarding the testresults. In one embodiment, the test chart includes information whichindicates the degree of salt depletion based on the information providedby the tester. In one embodiment, a color scale 345 is provided in thetest chart. Other types of scales can be useful, depending on theapplication. Various colors corresponding to the colors that can begenerated by the tester are included in the color scale. The scale canbe arranged with discrete colors or a continuous color spectrum whichincludes color transitions or gradients from one color to the other. Thecontinuous color spectrum can be parsed into segments corresponding to adegree of salt depletion.

The ionic load of the sweat is one factor in determining if ionicreplacement is required. The other factor is the quantity of sweatsecreted from the body. Thus, ideally, a total ionic depletion can bemeasured through measuring the loss of weight of the person throughsweat as well as the level of ionic concentration in the sweat. Withthat total depletion, the quantity of ionic replacement required can becalculated. However, the calculation need not be so exact. For example,the user may estimate total sweat loss by determining whether the levelof sweat has been low, medium or high and by knowing the user's weight.So, for example, tables, such as shown in FIG. 7, may be provided thatestimate total sweat based on the level of sweat (low, medium or high)and the person's weight. This information can then be combined with theionic concentration in the sweat to determine the ionic replacementrequired.

The test chart can also include dosage information, for example, aboutan amount of salt and liquid to consume based on the degree of saltdepletion. The dosage information can be general or related to one ormore specific products available in the market for oral rehydrationpurposes, for example, sports or energy beverages such as Propel® orGatorade® from PepsiCo.

In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the collection unit,tester and test chart form a kit to enable users to monitor the degreeof salt loss. FIG. 5 shows a product package 406 in accordance with oneembodiment of the invention. The product package comprises a primaryproduct 450 and a kit for monitoring salt loss. The primary product(PP), in one embodiment, comprises a salt containing oral rehydrationbeverage. The beverage can be any type of sports or energy beverage. Forexample, the beverage can comprise Gatorade® or Propel® marketed byPepsiCo. As shown, the PP is packaged in a bottle-type container. Thebeverage can also be packaged in other types of containers. Providing abeverage in powder or gel form to be mixed with a liquid for consumptionis also useful. Packaging the kit with any type of products is alsouseful.

The kit, which is provided with the PP, includes a collection unit 101,a tester 204 and a test chart 305 as described above. A portion 349 ofthe test chart may comprise dosage information. In one embodiment, thedosage information includes at least the amount of PP to be consumedbased on the test result may be provided in portion 349 of the testchart. Dosage information of other types of products or general dosageinformation can also be provided. Additionally, the PP package mayinclude markings corresponding to dosage amounts indicated in the testchart. This is particularly useful for transparent type of PP packagesor where dosage amounts can be less than the total amount of PPcontained in the PP package.

A kit package 455 is provided to contain at least some of the kitcomponents. In one embodiment, the kit package includes the collectionunit and tester while the test chart is provided with or attached ontothe PP package. Other kit packaging arrangements, such as including allcomponents of the kit in the kit package, are also useful. The kitpackage is attached to the PP package. Various techniques can be usedfor attaching the kit package to the PP package. For example, a bottlenet hanger can be provided to attach the test kit to the neck of the PPpackage. Alternatively, the kit package can be attached to the PPpackage using an adhesive.

As described, the product package includes one PP and one kit comprisingof one each of collection unit, tester and test chart. Other productpackage arrangements are also useful. For example, it is not necessarythat there is a one to one correspondence with each component of theproduct package. In some applications, it may be desirable to providenumerous kits per PP or numerous testers within a kit. The packagingarrangement can be tailored for specific applications or needs.Furthermore, the kit or components of the kit can be marketedindividually.

FIG. 6 shows a method, in accordance with one embodiment of theinvention, for reducing or avoiding cramps, for example, during physicalactivities. Over the course of physical activity, sweating occurs. Atstep 560, a perspiration sample is collected from the user. In oneembodiment, the perspiration sample is collected using a collection unitwhich is attached to the body. Other techniques for collectingperspiration samples may also be useful. The collected sample is testedto determine its salt content at step 565 to indicate the degree of saltdepletion. Testing is conducted using a tester. The tester, for example,employs a colorimetric technique. Other test techniques are also useful.

The test results, at step 570, are analyzed. The analysis involves, forexample, using a test chart which contains a scale for determining thedegree of salt loss based on the test result. In one embodiment, thetest chart comprises a color chart which indicates the degree of saltdepletion based on the color of the tester after testing. Based on thedegree of salt loss, the appropriate dosage of salt and liquid toconsume can be determined. In one embodiment, the dosage information canbe provided in the test chart. This conveniently enables the user todetermine the amount of salt needed. The dosage information can bedirected to a specific product, such as a rehydration beverage (e.g.,Gatorade®). At step 575, the user consumes the recommended amount ofrehydration beverage to sufficiently replenish the body with normallevel of salt. By monitoring the degree of salt depletion, muscle crampscan be reduced or avoided, particularly with individuals who are early,heavy and salty sweaters.

The invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departingfrom the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. The foregoingembodiments, therefore, are to be considered in all respectsillustrative rather than limiting the invention described herein. Scopeof the invention is thus indicated by the appended claims, rather thanby the foregoing description, and all changes that come within themeaning and range of equivalency of the claims are intended to beembraced therein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A kit for reducing muscle cramps comprising: acollection unit configured to be dermally mounted onto the skin of atest subject to collect body fluid during physical exertion; a tableproviding an estimate of a quantity of sweat secreted during physicalactivity based on a level of sweat and a weight of the user; a testerincluding a test portion configured to be exposed to the body fluidafter collection in the collection unit, wherein the test portion isfurther configured to react with the body fluid for use in determining aresult indicative of an estimated degree of ionic depletion from thetest subject; and dosage information for at least one beverage for ionicreplenishment sufficient to substantially limit muscle cramping.
 2. Thekit of claim 1, wherein the tester is configured to be utilized in acolorimetric test.
 3. The kit of claim 2, wherein the tester isconfigured to measure the concentration of components selected from thegroup consisting of: salt, sodium, chloride, and combinations thereof.4. The kit of claim 2, wherein the tester is configured to measure theconcentration of components selected from the group consisting of:proteins, urea, ketones, lactate, magnesium, potassium and combinationsthereof.
 5. The kit of claim 2, wherein the tester is configured tomeasure parameters selected from the group consisting of: specificgravity, pH, and combinations thereof.
 6. The kit of claim 2, whereinthe body fluid comprises perspiration.
 7. The kit of claim 1, whereinthe kit further comprises the at least one beverage referenced on thedosage information.
 8. The kit of claim 1, wherein the kit furthercomprises a rehydration beverage concentrate and the dosage informationcomprises information in preparing a rehydration beverage from therehydration beverage concentrate.
 9. The kit of claim 1, wherein the kitfurther comprises a test chart that provides an indication the degree ofsalt depletion based on the result, wherein the dosage informationcomprises an amount of the at least one beverage to be consumed by theuser based on the test result of ionic depletion and the estimate of aquantity of sweat secreted during physical activity.
 10. The kit ofclaim 1, wherein the kit further comprises a color scale having aplurality of colors to indicate the degree of salt depletion based onthe result.